What characterizes a sweatshop?

A sweatshop is characterized by inhumane working conditions and low pay, which is why this choice is the correct answer. Sweatshops often involve long hours without appropriate breaks, overcrowded and unsafe working environments, and the absence of basic labor rights. Workers in these settings frequently receive wages that are well below the minimum living standards, putting them in precarious economic situations.

This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in industries such as textiles and manufacturing, where profit margins are often prioritized over worker welfare. Additionally, sweatshops may exploit vulnerable populations, including women and children, to maximize their labor force with minimal expenses. Understanding these conditions highlights the broader social issues related to labor rights, globalization, and economic inequality.